Arsenal-Tottenham is more than just a derby

Premier league gameweek 11: Arsenal and Tottenham square off at Emirates Stadium

Arsenal sits at the second place of the table with 23 points. Tottenham is three points and three spots behind the Gunners but remain the sole team without a loss in the first ten Premier League games [5 wins, 5 draws]. Coaches form each side preview the clash:

Arsene Wenger – Arsenal coach

“It is an interesting clash. For us it is a very important game because we are in a strong position in the league that we want to strengthen. Overall Tottenham [are in a good position] as well, so it is very tight at the top of the league. We are more focused that it is a home game, and whether it is Tottenham or somebody else, we want to win our home games because our position in the league is very important. We go into a period where we play big games and we want to win the big games.

At the moment I’m more focused on the fact that this is more than a derby. It’s an important game for us because it’s a big home game and we have an opportunity to show that we have an interesting role to play in this Premier League, and that we can win these kinds of games too. I feel, again, that it is difficult to speculate on any weakness to Tottenham. I prefer to concentrate on us, to be strong and to turn up with a top-level performance.”
Mauricio Pochettino – Tottenham coach

“You never know if it’s a good or bad time to play. I will tell you after the game because in football anything can happen! It’s true that we are not in a positive situation, in the six games after Manchester City we have struggled to win games – four draws and two defeats. We are very conscious about that, we need to work hard and try more than before. We are in a difficult moment but in football you always need to be ready to change the dynamic and we have a very good opportunity on Sunday to go to the Emirates and try to win the game.

When you win, you are always at the top of your emotions and mental level but now it’s a good test for us to try to change that dynamic. In football it always happens but it’s a period that, to be honest, I like, where you have that type of moment to learn, to improve. It will be an exciting game for us and for them too. It’s a game that we can imagine but maybe it will be different in reality. It will be tough for both teams. It’s true that for them it’s a big challenge to beat us and for us it’s a very good challenge to try to win at the Emirates. It is my third season that we are going, (we’ve had) two draws and it’s a good moment to try to win the game.”